When you think of a tyre company, vintage furniture and antiques probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. Yet, at Stamford Tyres’ flagship outlet in Jurong, a unique second-floor thrift shop named The Discovery Shop is redefining the idea of giving back — all while offering an eclectic collection of pre-loved treasures. The brainchild of executive chairman Dawn Wee, this charity-focused store blends passion with purpose, becoming a beacon of renewed living and heartfelt legacy
An unlikely combination: tyres and treasures
At first glance, the pairing of a tyre retail showroom with an upscale thrift store might seem unusual. But for Dawn Wee, the juxtaposition makes perfect sense. Launched in January 2025 alongside the unveiling of Stamford Tyres’ revamped flagship showroom and service centre, The Discovery Shop occupies a spacious, light-filled floor above the busy tyre mart at Lok Yang Way.
The idea is simple yet clever: customers dropping by for tyre services — which can often take hours — can ascend upstairs to browse a curated selection of antique furniture, collectibles, and home décor. There’s no pressure to buy, but visitors can relax over a cup of tea while perusing unique items sourced from around the world. What makes the shop special is that all proceeds from sales go directly to charity, helping those in need while encouraging sustainable reuse and repurposing of quality goods.
This innovative concept has struck a chord. More and more people are visiting The Discovery Shop not just as a convenience during their car maintenance but as a destination in its own right — drawn by the sense of discovery and the store’s uplifting social mission.
First impressions: A treasure trove of history and heart
Step inside The Discovery Shop, and you enter a space that feels less like a store and more like a well-loved home filled with stories. The shelves and corners are brimming with an eclectic mix of vintage and antique furniture — from intricately carved blackwood opium beds to rosewood sofas, retro Formica tables, and rare Peranakan and Chinese wedding baskets.
Dawn and her late husband, Wee Kok Wah, along with close friends, have generously donated many of the items, each carrying its own history. Dawn chuckles, “No one shops like me,” hinting at her longtime passion for collecting unique pieces. Many of her friends, downsizing or moving, have also contributed heirloom dinnerware, collectibles, and furnishings — supporting an eco-friendly cycle of reuse rather than discarding precious items.
The shop’s styling is no accident. Longtime friend and collaborator Chan Mei Lin, who has been Dawn’s confidante for over 50 years, regularly helps artfully arrange and display the items to show how they might look in a home setting. Mei Lin also donates pieces from her personal collection and fondly compares the shop to her dream of having a stall at London’s Portobello Market — “this is the next best thing,” she says with a smile. The inventory offers something for every taste and budget, from delicate Lalique glassware and silverware to quirky global trinkets and vintage designer bags. Prices are surprisingly accessible, making the joy of thrifting available to a wide audience.
High quality at fair prices
One of the biggest draws of The Discovery Shop is the unbeatable value paired with exceptional quality. Shoppers can pick up handmade beaded eyeglass chains for just S$3, or acquire a stunning Chinese vase for S$120. Larger furniture pieces like near-mint condition rosewood sofa sets go for under S$1,000, while retro sofa sets bundled with tables can be had for a mere S$200 — a genuine bargain in the world of antiques.
Unlike many second-hand stores where the atmosphere can feel dark or cluttered, this space is inviting and airy. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the shop with natural light, giving it a warm, welcoming ambiance that mirrors Dawn’s own personality. The spritely septuagenarian personally greets visitors, offering tea and snacks, and often shares fascinating stories behind select items, making every visit feel like a homecoming.
This attention to atmosphere and hospitality creates a positive shopping experience free from the “bad jujus” that sometimes plague used goods stores. It’s a place where customers feel comfortable, valued, and part of a community.
Thrifting for good: A mission beyond commerce
All sales proceeds go directly to charity, with Stamford Tyres absorbing operational costs as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Previous beneficiaries of these initiatives include St Luke’s Eldercare and the Singapore Red Cross. Currently, The Discovery Shop supports the Singapore General Hospital’s ARK Fund (Advancing Resources for Kidney Diseases), a cause close to Dawn’s heart. The fund focuses on comprehensive care for kidney disease patients, supporting prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research. Kidney failure is a pressing health issue in Singapore, with four new dialysis patients daily, a figure expected to rise alongside the aging population.
Dawn’s personal connection runs deep: both her late husband and son suffered from renal disease and underwent kidney transplants. Supporting the ARK Fund is not just philanthropy but a deeply personal tribute to her family’s journey.
The genesis of a legacy
The Discovery Shop is more than a charity store — it is a living memorial to Dawn’s enduring love story with her late husband, Wee Kok Wah. Together for 57 years, their shared journey began as university sweethearts and extended through family, business, and challenges including her husband’s battle with chronic kidney disease and cancer.
The concept was born during a difficult six-month stay in Palo Alto, where her husband was undergoing medical treatments. While he attended dialysis sessions that lasted four hours each, Dawn and her daughter found comfort in the Discovery Shop run by the American Cancer Society, which sells donated, high-quality second-hand goods to fund cancer research and patient support.
Inspired, Dawn envisioned a similar initiative in Singapore, discussing it with her husband who enthusiastically supported the idea. The Stamford Tyres facility’s second floor became the perfect venue for this passion project.
Though her husband passed away in 2024, likely due to complications related to his treatment, the store became a cathartic outlet for Dawn — a way to heal, honor his memory, and transform grief into something positive.
Overcoming challenges and looking ahead
Launching The Discovery Shop wasn’t without hurdles. Dawn recalls having to assure donors and supporters that the store was a serious, long-term commitment rather than a fleeting project. While most donors are generous, a few have treated it like a dumping ground, necessitating disposal of unsuitable items at Stamford Tyres’ expense.
Today, curation is more rigorous. Heirloom and collectible pieces undergo professional appraisal, and trusted collector friends volunteer their expertise to maintain the shop’s high standards. Though the shop does not have Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status — meaning it can’t issue tax-deductible receipts — donations to the ARK Fund are matched by the government dollar-for-dollar, maximizing their impact. Payments are cashless, processed via bank apps or PayNow, with proceeds going straight to the charity. Buyers are advised to double-check their bills, as no refunds are offered.
A legacy of love and purpose
The Discovery Shop’s growth has been steady and organic, supported by Stamford Tyres’ provision of rent-free space for three years, as well as logistics and staffing support. Dawn credits her team and friends who pitch in to refurbish and repair donated items during breaks — a true team effort. Reflecting on her past life as a busy wife and mother deeply involved in her husband’s business, Dawn acknowledges that those years prepared her for this new chapter of contribution and service.
Now a devout Christian, she embraces a life of active purpose and faith, determined to make the most of the time she has left. “I have another 10 years hopefully, and I am going to stay productive while I can — I ain’t got much time to waste,” she laughs heartily. With that spirit, The Discovery Shop promises to remain not just a store, but a source of healing, community, and enduring love for years to come.
